Our reflex is to position these visions (Revelation 21:9 – 22:5) in the everlasting eons following Christ’s return in glory to judge the living and the dead. Since this Bride is the city characterizing the new earth (Revelation 21:1–2) where there are no more tears or death or pain (Revelation 21:4), this conclusion is accurate. However, as we work through the four portrayals of this New Jerusalem, we will come across details that will require us to conclude that this vision also touches upon realities in our present dispensation.
9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.”